The Andaki River

The Andaki River: A Wild Heart of Khevsureti

The Andaki River (მდინარე ანდაქი) is a quintessential high-mountain river flowing through the remote and historic region of Khevsureti in Georgia’s Dusheti Municipality. Originating on the eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, this wild river carves its way through deep gorges and pristine alpine landscapes before becoming a right tributary of the Argun River. The Andaki is not for the casual tourist; its valley is a destination for seasoned trekkers and adventurers seeking to experience one of Georgia’s most untouched and legendary regions.

The river is the lifeblood of a sparsely populated valley, surrounded by towering peaks and high-altitude meadows. Its water is crystal clear and ice-cold, fed by snowmelt and mountain springs. The Andaki valley is part of a larger historical landscape that includes the famous fortified villages of Shatili and Mutso, but the valley itself is even more remote and less accessible, preserving a sense of true wilderness. For those who make the journey, the Andaki represents the raw, untamed beauty of the Georgian highlands.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Andaki River (მდინარე ანდაქი)
• Location: Khevsureti, Dusheti Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.
• Length: 23 km (14 miles)
• Basin Size: 272 km² (105 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, near Mount Borbalo.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Right tributary of the Argun River.
• Main Tributaries: Various high-mountain streams.

📍 Geography & Course

The Andaki flows through a classic V-shaped river gorge, typical of the Caucasus mountains. Its course is steep and rapid, with numerous small cascades and fast-flowing sections. The riverbed is rocky, littered with boulders. The valley is narrow and enclosed by high mountain ridges, making it a challenging environment for travel.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The ecosystem is pristine alpine and subalpine. The valley is home to lush meadows that burst with wildflowers in the summer, while the surrounding slopes are home to birch groves and rhododendron thickets. The area supports a fragile ecosystem with wildlife such as chamois, Caucasian tur, and potentially brown bears and wolves. The river itself is an excellent habitat for brown trout, which thrive in its cold, oxygen-rich waters.

🏛️ History & Culture

The Andaki flows through the heart of Khevsureti, a region famous for its unique history, culture, and traditions. The Khevsur people were traditionally renowned warriors who guarded Georgia’s northern borders. While major fortified villages are not located directly in the Andaki valley, it is an integral part of this historical territory, crisscrossed by ancient shepherd trails and routes connecting remote communities.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

Tourism in the Andaki valley is limited to hardcore adventure activities:

• Wilderness Trekking: The valley is part of challenging, multi-day trekking routes that connect different parts of Khevsureti.
• Mountaineering: The surrounding peaks offer objectives for experienced climbers.
• Fly Fishing: For well-prepared anglers, the river offers a prime opportunity for trout fishing in a wild setting.

This region is extremely remote and recommended only for experienced and self-sufficient trekkers.

🛤️ Accessibility

There is no easy road access to the Andaki valley. It can only be reached via long and strenuous hiking trails, often crossing high mountain passes from other parts of Khevsureti. The only window for visiting is during the high summer months (July-August) when the passes are free of snow.